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Drinks At Work

Five years in at Alba Bar & Deli with Jamie Fleming

How far can sherry, jamon, and hip hop take a bar?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 23 Apr 2024

Jamie Fleming at Alba Bar & Deli. Photo: Boothby

How much do you really know about cognac? Hennessy’s Jordan Bushell wants to help you out

Talking sustainability, memorable rituals, and Hennessy MyWay comp advice.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 11 Apr 2024

Jordan Bushell is the global ambassador for Hennessy. Photo: Supplied

How (and why) Ben Luzz renovated a nearly 30 year old Melbourne icon

‘There’s a double economy thing happening at the moment,’ says the Gin Palace owner.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 3 Apr 2024

Ben Luzz at Melbourne icon Gin Palace. Photo: Dean Schmideg

“This industry is all about personality,” says Rooster Rojo’s Abbie Weir

The Rooster Rojo Rumble is looking for six bartenders to fly to Sydney — and one to Greece.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 28 Feb 2024

Abbie Weir is the agave specialist for Amber Beverages Australia. Photo: Boothby

The List: Jay Gray on how Sago House landed on the 50 Best Bars list

How a bar on a derelict floor of a shophouse, with a flat management structure and nightly airing of grievances racks up accolades.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 22 Feb 2024

The List: Jay Gray on how Sago House landed on the 50 Best Bars list

“It’s so easy to find fakery.” Stu Gregor on storytelling, Australian spirits industry, Four Pillars and more

In conversation with the chair of judges at the forthcoming Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 7 Feb 2024

Stu Gregor, co-founder of Four Pillars and chair of judges at Sydney Royal's new spirits comp. Photo: Supplied

Samuel Thornhill created the Drink of the Year in 2023 (here’s how he did it)

The Byrdi head bartender talks about the year-long process of creating the drink, and removing the distinction between bar and kitchen.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 31 Jan 2024

Samuel Thornhill winning the Drink of the Year presented by Patrón

‘The drink is important; people will remember the experience more.’ Eduardo Conde & Kate McGraw share World Class advice

Tip: you don't have to win the comp for it to help your career.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 25 Jan 2024

‘The drink is important; people will remember the experience more.’ Eduardo Conde & Kate McGraw share World Class advice

Ross Blainey on the power of true collaboration for creativity, and 2024 predictions

Is the era of guest shifts and takeovers done? Have we reached peak vinyl bar?

By Sam Bygrave

/ 19 Jan 2024

Ross Blainey on the power of true collaboration for creativity, and 2024 predictions

Garth Foster’s new role? Resurrecting a long closed Sydney rum brand and distillery

“Do people get it? Do they not get it? Do we care?”

By Sam Bygrave

/ 14 Dec 2023

Garth Foster from Red Mill Rum Co. Photo: Supplied

Mike Enright on what he’s learned in 10 years of gin at The Barber Shop

The multi-award winning bar, The Barber Shop, turns 10 years old.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 29 Nov 2023

Mike Enright on what he’s learned in 10 years of gin at The Barber Shop

How bartender Tim Laferla opened a distillery making spirits from food waste

Here Tim talks about the branding process, concepts, and building a distillery with no outside investment.

By Sam Bygrave

/ 26 Oct 2023

How bartender Tim Laferla opened a distillery making spirits from food waste